The use of AI is fast growing and is seemingly popping up everywhere. We’ve even started to see it be used by some of our clients to seek reassurance when they feel stuck with OCD intrusive thoughts. Seems like Google searches and Reddit searches just aren’t cutting it anymore. What is it that we need to be aware of exactly when it comes to relying on Chat GPT and other AI tech to seek reassurance for OCD triggers?
OCD, which is characterised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours aimed at mitigating anxiety, often leads individuals to seek reassurance as a means of temporarily alleviating distress. In the digital age, where information is readily accessible at our fingertips, turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for reassurance may seem like a logical step. It seems harmless but we know that the purpose of reassurance seeking is to further feed OCD and as a result it grows stronger and stronger. Soon enough, no amount of reassurance seems enough to achieve the same level of relief. Before you know it, you’re spending hours on Chat GPT trying to experience relief and it never comes.
This is where AI tech such as Chat GPT lacks the nuanced knowledge, understanding and empathy that human interaction affords. Chat GPT is not going to ask you if you’re seeking reassurance nor is it going to remind you if you should be implementing urge surfing and other ERP (exposure and response prevention) techniques to help resist urges to seek reassurance. We need to remind ourselves that AI tech operates on algorithms, devoid of emotional depth and context, and devoid of knowledge of mental health treatment, which can inadvertently reinforce the cycle of seeking reassurance without addressing the underlying issues fuelling OCD. Reliance on ChatGPT for reassurance may therefore inadvertently perpetuate avoidance behaviours which is a hallmark of OCD. By turning to an external source for validation, you may sidestep confronting your fears and learning to tolerate uncertainty, thus exacerbating the cycle of anxiety and compulsive behaviours.
It's crucial to recognise that seeking reassurance through ChatGPT is akin to applying a temporary bandage to a deep wound—it may offer fleeting relief, but it does little to tackle OCD and causes further distress. Instead, it fosters dependency on external sources for validation, hindering your ability to apply ERP treatment and to develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
There are a few ways you can recognise when using Chat GPT is becoming unhealthy. First, have a think about WHY you’re jumping on Chat GPT? Are you typing in questions that are linked in with obsessions? Even if the motivation is that you’ll read it quickly “and it’ll only take 2 seconds, and then I can move on with my day”, it’s still reassurance. It’s these small reassurance seeking moments that add up and keep fuelling OCD. Secondly, have a think about how much TIME you’re spending on Chat GPT. You may not be spending hours at a time, but even jumping on for a few seconds at a time multiple times a day is still unhealthy and fuels the urge to seek reassurance. Thirdly, have a think about whether or not you need to spend more time on there to achieve the same amount of relief, which causes more and more DISTRESS.
If you recognise that you are spending more and more time on Chat GPT and other AI platforms to seek reassurance for OCD triggers, then it’s time to seek help. Evidence-based therapies such as ERP have been shown to be effective in helping people break free from the cycle of OCD. Additionally, cultivating mindfulness based practices that are appropriate for ERP treatment can help people anchor themselves in the present moment, observe their thoughts without judgment, and develop greater resilience in the face of uncertainty.
For further support in the treatment of OCD our highly trained psychologists can help. Please call our team on 9882-8874 to book in with one of our team members today. Alternatively fill in our contact form here to get in touch.
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This blog was written and prepared by Dr Celin Gelgec – Clinic Director and Clinical Psychologist at Melbourne Wellbeing Group.